Theories in cognition & emotion – social functions of emotion

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is widely recognised that emotions have important social functions, particularly with respect to the interaction between individual needs and preferences and socio-cultural norms and values. So far, however, a general theoretical framework has been missing for the social functions of emotion. In this issue of the special theory section of Cognition & Emotion, an invited article by Keltner et al. proposes an expanded version of social functionalist theory entitled “How emotions, relationships, and culture constitute each other”, which attempts to remedy this situation. Two invited commentaries, by Manstead and Von Scheve, welcome this attempt but enumerate issues in need of further elaboration, such as the interaction between relational needs and cultural norms, the necessity to consider situational context and cultural differences, and a more stringent specification of “functionality”. The remainder of the current introductory article briefly outlines some areas in need of attention from social emotion theories, such as the effect of social and technological change on the elicitation and regulation of emotions. Here, earlier work is cited that evokes the danger of a potential waning of shame and guilt feelings due to changing values, norms, and self-ideals (for example, the growing importance of self-related values such as freedom and the weakening of prosocial values such as the responsibility for the common good). Another problem is group polarisation leading to negative emotions such as hate and potential violence taken together, the contributions to this theory section highlight the importance of creating a comprehensive theoretical framework for studying the social functions of emotions.